Analysis of Prevalence and Mortality Among Neonates and Children With Intestinal Atresia: A Multinational Study,

Angie Carreño1, Maria Paula Aguilera2, Lina Ibañez3

  • 1Birth Defect Surveillance Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Cali, Colombia.

Birth Defects Research
|April 20, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Small intestinal atresia (SIA) affects 2.1 in 10,000 births globally, with significant geographical variations. This study analyzed SIA prevalence and mortality over 41 years, highlighting the need for further research into trends and treatment impacts.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Neonatal Care
  • Birth Defects Research

Background:

  • Small intestinal atresia (SIA) is a congenital condition causing obstruction in the small intestine.
  • SIA severity varies, impacting newborns' digestive systems.
  • Understanding SIA prevalence and mortality is crucial for neonatal care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the global prevalence of small intestinal atresia (SIA).
  • To analyze mortality rates associated with SIA.
  • To identify geographical variations in SIA occurrence using ICBDSR data.

Main Methods:

  • Data collected from 25 International Clearinghouse for Birth Defects Surveillance and Research (ICBDSR) programs (1974-2015).
  • Prevalence calculated as SIA cases per 10,000 births.
  • Mortality analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.

Main Results:

  • Overall SIA prevalence was 2.1 per 10,000 births.
  • Highest prevalence observed in Iran (11.5/10,000), lowest in Mexico-Nuevo Leon (0.5/10,000).
  • First-year mortality was 4.3%; most deaths occurred within the first week of life.

Conclusions:

  • SIA prevalence varies geographically, with an overall rate of 2.1 per 10,000 births over 41 years.
  • Further research is recommended to investigate trends and the impact of early diagnosis and treatment on SIA mortality.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology01:07

Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology

Intestinal obstruction triggers a series of physiological responses, starting with gas and fluid accumulation in the bowel segment proximal to the obstruction, leading to distension. This distended intestine compresses the diaphragm, hindering lung expansion and potentially leading to reduced respiratory effort, atelectasis, and pneumonia.To overcome the blockage, the gut intensifies contractions, causing colicky abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which reduces fluid and food intake and...
25
Intestinal Obstruction I: Introduction01:29

Intestinal Obstruction I: Introduction

Intestinal obstruction is a partial or complete blockage of the small or large intestine that disrupts the normal flow of intestinal contents through the lumen. This interruption impairs digestion, absorption, and fluid balance, and may lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.Mechanical ObstructionMechanical obstruction occurs when a physical blockage prevents intestinal contents from passing, arising from within the lumen or the bowel wall, or from external compression.Adhesions,...
20
Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management01:28

Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

Esophageal perforations manifest in various clinical forms, influenced by factors such as the perforation's cause and location (cervical, intrathoracic, or intra-abdominal), the extent of contamination, and potential injury to adjacent mediastinal structures. The timing between the perforation occurrence and treatment initiation also affects the clinical presentation.
Clinical Manifestations:
1.0K
Anatomy of the Intestines01:23

Anatomy of the Intestines

Although digestion of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids may begin in the stomach, it is completed in the intestine. The absorption of nutrients, water, and electrolytes from food and drink also occurs in the intestine. The intestines can be divided into two structurally distinct organs—the small and large intestines.
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the...
92.8K
Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

Development of the Oral Microbiota

The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
48
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption01:23

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption

Understanding the physiological differences in the pediatric population is crucial for effective pharmacotherapy. Neonates, infants, and children exhibit significant variations in gastric pH, gastric emptying time, intestinal transit time, and biliary function. These variations profoundly affect oral drug absorption, necessitating a nuanced approach to pediatric dosing.Neonates present with a unique physiological profile, having a gastric pH greater than 4 and faster and more irregular gastric...
895